Town’s deficit at centre of mayoral debate

While certainly not the only issue discussed at last night’s municipal candidates debate at the Civic Centre, the town’s deficit in 2002—and the projected financial problems for this year—is proving to be the bone of contention between mayoral hopefuls Dan Onichuk and Coun. Sharon Tibbs.
Before a nearly full audience, Onichuk charged Coun. Tibbs was not living up to her responsibilities as per the Municipal Act, which he noted indicates the job of a councillor is to “represent the public and their best interests.”^“And the key thing is to maintain the financial integrity of the community,” he said, adding he can’t believe Coun. Tibbs could be on council and various committees and not be aware of the financial mismanagement.
“I don’t buy it. And I don’t think the community buys it,” he remarked.
“Dan would like you to believe I am solely responsible for the current financial situation,” countered Coun. Tibbs, adding not only is it simply not true, but that it should be clarified the town’s budget woes are a matter of overestimated revenues, and erroneous bookkeeping, which while unfortunate, can’t be considered “missing funds.”^“The money was not in the right place. It’s there, but it’s not in the right place,” she stressed, adding the $1.8-million deficit in the 2002 budget already has been dealt with, with the money pulled from reserves.
And the $1.3-million deficit reported as of Aug. 31, 2003 is merely a projected amount at his point.
Coun. Tibbs noted an auditor’s report and letter of management expected to come before council Oct. 14 will define exactly what happened—and what must be done to set things right.
She said a significant part of her campaign platform is her commitment to the “complete re-establishment of the integrity of the treasury,” and that mayor and council assuredly will be aware at all times of the 2004 and future budgets so they never get out of hand again.
The pair also were asked questions about infrastructure, community services, the role of elected officials, and how they would restore the reserve funds by media reps last night.
Meanwhile, the public also got a chance to see councillor candidates answer this question: “As councillor for the Town of Fort Frances, what is your vision of economic prosperity over the next five-10 years?” The council candidates on hand included incumbents Roy Avis and Neil Kabel, former councillors Gus Lindberg and John Albanese, and newcomers Misty Christian, Tannis Drysdale, Bud Edwards, and Pastor Stephen Laing.
Coun. Struchan Gilson wasn’t able to attend last night’s debate due to a prior family commitment, while challengers Todd Hamilton and Rick Wiedenhoeft also were unable to attend.
See tomorrow’s Times for extended coverage of last night’s debate. Channel 10 (Shaw) also will be airing it again several times over the coming weeks.
The debate was organized by the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce. Gord McBride served as moderator while Christine Denby was the timekeeper.
Chamber vice-president Gary Rogozinski welcomed the mayoral candidates prior to the second half of the evening.
Election day is Nov. 10.
Canada Post is expected to send out the mail-in ballots to town residents starting Oct. 20.